Edit page | Page history | Printable version

Bench

Origin: oe. Bench, benk, as. Benc; akin to Sw. Bank, dan baenk, Icel. Bekkr, os, D, & g. Bank. Cf. Bank, beach.

1. A long seat, differing from a stool in its greater length. Mossy benches supplied the place of chairs. (Sir W. Scott)

2. A long table at which mechanics and other work; as, a carpenter's bench.

3. The seat where judges sit in court. To pluck down justice from your awful bench. (Shak)

4. The persons who sit as judges; the court; as, the opinion of the full bench. See kings bench.

5. A collection or group of dogs exhibited to the public; so named because the animals are usually placed on benches or raised platforms.

6. A conformation like a bench; a long stretch of flat ground, or a kind of natural terrace, near a lake or river. Bench mark, a projecting course at the base of a building, or round a pillar, sufficient to form a seat.